Identity fraud | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/money/identityfraud
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2018Thu, 24 May 2018 18:49:59 GMT2018-05-24T18:49:59Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2018The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
Scammers try to steal Brigitte Macron's identity to access VIP eventshttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/30/email-scammers-steal-brigitte-macron-identity
<p>Fraudsters tried to wangle invitations to luxury hotels and tickets to Australian Grand Prix</p><p>The French president’s wife, Brigitte Macron, has filed a legal complaint after fraudsters attempted to steal her identity to get into expensive restaurants and events around the world.<br></p><p>The scammers sent dozens of emails from an address purportedly linked to the Élysée Palace – cabinet@presidence.fr –requesting tables, tickets or VIP treatment. The address is similar to that used by the French presidency.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/30/email-scammers-steal-brigitte-macron-identity">Continue reading...</a>Brigitte MacronEmmanuel MacronWorld newsFranceEuropeIdentity fraudConsumer affairsMoneyScamsFri, 30 Mar 2018 12:18:13 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/30/email-scammers-steal-brigitte-macron-identityPhotograph: Benoit Tessier/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Benoit Tessier/AFP/Getty ImagesKim Willsher in Paris2018-03-30T12:18:13ZReporter who exposed India data breach named in criminal complainthttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/08/reporter-who-exposed-huge-indian-data-breach-rachna-khaira-named-in-government-criminal-complaint
<p>Government files complaint after report by Rachna Khaira claimed personal records of 1.2 billion people were on sale for £6</p><p>A journalist who broke the story that personal records of 1.2 billion Indians could be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/04/india-national-id-database-data-leak-bought-online-aadhaar">purchased online for less than £6</a> has been named in a criminal complaint filed by the government agency responsible for the data.</p><p>Senior Indian journalists and national press associations criticised the complaint against Rachna Khaira as “unfair, unjustified and a direct attack on the freedom of the press”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/08/reporter-who-exposed-huge-indian-data-breach-rachna-khaira-named-in-government-criminal-complaint">Continue reading...</a>IndiaSouth and Central AsiaWorld newsIdentity fraudTechnologyPress freedomMediaMon, 08 Jan 2018 13:49:35 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/08/reporter-who-exposed-huge-indian-data-breach-rachna-khaira-named-in-government-criminal-complaintPhotograph: Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesPhotograph: Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesMichael Safi in Delhi2018-01-08T13:49:35ZNSW failing to protect public’s private data from identity fraudhttps://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/dec/28/nsw-failing-to-protect-publics-private-data-from-identity
<p>Auditor general’s report finds 68% of government agencies ‘do not adequately manage privileged access to their systems’</p><p>Two-thirds of New South Wales government agencies fail to protect privileged data, leaving confidential information vulnerable and putting the public at risk of identify fraud. </p><p>A review of dozens of NSW government departments by the state’s auditor general found that 68% of agencies such as health, education and police “do not adequately manage privileged access to their systems”, leaving personal data open to “misuse” including fraud and identity theft.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jul/08/data-breaches-undermine-trust-in-governments-ability-to-protect-our-information">Data breaches undermine trust in government's ability to protect our information</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/oct/06/privacy-concerns-voiced-over-photo-database-link-to-real-time-surveillance">Privacy concerns voiced over photo database link to real-time surveillance</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/dec/28/nsw-failing-to-protect-publics-private-data-from-identity">Continue reading...</a>New South Wales politicsPrivacyIdentity fraudNew South WalesAustralia newsData and computer securityCybercrimeAustralian lawThu, 28 Dec 2017 00:57:54 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/dec/28/nsw-failing-to-protect-publics-private-data-from-identityPhotograph: Devonyu/Getty Images/iStockphotoPhotograph: Devonyu/Getty Images/iStockphotoMichael McGowan2017-12-28T00:57:54ZCouple scammed out of £57,000 fear being homeless at Christmashttps://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/nov/11/couple-scammed-57000-homesless-bank-transfer-fraud
They are victims of a bank transfer fraud – now one of Britain’s fastest growing crimes<p>A couple in the process of buying a house fear they could be left homeless over Christmas after being tricked into transferring almost £60,000 to fraudsters posing as their conveyancing solicitor.</p><p>Salim and Olesia (they asked us not to disclose their surname) are the latest people to fall victim to a bank transfer scam – one of Britain’s fastest-growing crimes. Olesia, who is six-months pregnant with the couple’s second child, says they are supposed to be completing on 21 December, but are now desperately worried this could be jeopardised if they don’t manage to recover the missing cash.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/oct/21/couple-lose-120000-email-hacking-fraud-legal-sector">‘We lost £120,000 in an email scam but the banks won’t help get it back’</a> </p><p>The criminals seem to get away with anything … we have no support from the institutions supposed to help and protect us</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/aug/08/banks-online-banking-fraud-ross-mcewan-rbs">Why are Britain’s banks blaming customers for online banking fraud? | Miles Brignall</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/nov/11/couple-scammed-57000-homesless-bank-transfer-fraud">Continue reading...</a>ScamsConsumer affairsMoneyIdentity fraudBanks and building societiesSat, 11 Nov 2017 07:00:19 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/nov/11/couple-scammed-57000-homesless-bank-transfer-fraudPhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyRupert Jones2017-11-11T07:00:19ZBarclays in major security breach as it admits posting out pin numbers with new cardshttps://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/nov/10/barclays-posts-pin-numbers-with-debit-cards
<p>The bank’s actions are leaving account holders vulnerable, with many fearing their cards and pins could easily fall into the wrong hands </p><p>Barclays has admitted it has a “known” technical problem that is resulting in thousands of letters containing pin numbers being sent out in the post alongside new debit cards. In the wrong hands, the card and pin can be used to empty a Barclays account, with customers facing a massive battle to get their money back.</p><p>The bank is in the middle of replacing the sort codes of at least 900,000 customers and, as a result, is sending out large numbers of replacement debit cards with the new codes.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/nov/04/barclays-refuses-refund-stolen-6000-debit-card-lost">Barclays refuses to refund stolen £6,000</a> </p><p>I was alarmed, as in the wrong hands it would have allowed immediate and full access to our bank account</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/nov/10/barclays-posts-pin-numbers-with-debit-cards">Continue reading...</a>Banks and building societiesDebit cardsIdentity fraudConsumer affairsMoneyBarclaysBankingBusinessBanking reformFinancial sectorUK newsFri, 10 Nov 2017 11:39:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/nov/10/barclays-posts-pin-numbers-with-debit-cardsPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoMiles Brignall2017-11-10T11:39:03ZPush-payment fraud victims could receive compensation, says regulatorhttps://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/nov/07/push-payment-fraud-victims-compensation-payment-systems-regulator
<p>The Payment Systems Regulator says current procedures for dealing with the fraud are inconsistent and do not offer sufficient protection</p><p>Some people who have been tricked into transferring money to fraudsters would be eligible for compensation under <a href="https://www.psr.org.uk/psr-publications/news-announcements/PSR-sets-out-progress-on-tackling-scams">new plans</a> designed to tackle this fast-growing crime.<br></p><p>Banks typically refuse to reimburse victims of bank transfer scams, where people are conned into sending cash to a fraudster’s account, but the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) is proposing a scheme be set up that would see customers refunded “in certain circumstances”.<br></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/jan/14/lost-67000-conveyancing-scam-friday-afternoon-fraud-legal-sector-email-hacker">‘I thought I’d bought my first home, but I lost £67,000 in a conveyancing scam’</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/aug/13/barclays-bank-robbery-phone-family-nightmare-criminals">One family's nightmare as fraudsters ransack Barclays account by phone</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/nov/07/push-payment-fraud-victims-compensation-payment-systems-regulator">Continue reading...</a>ScamsIdentity fraudConsumer affairsConsumer rightsUK newsMoneyTue, 07 Nov 2017 17:12:22 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/nov/07/push-payment-fraud-victims-compensation-payment-systems-regulatorPhotograph: Kacper Pempel/ReutersPhotograph: Kacper Pempel/ReutersRupert Jones2017-11-07T17:12:22ZBarclays refuses to refund stolen £6,000https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/nov/04/barclays-refuses-refund-stolen-6000-debit-card-lost
<p>When a debit card was ‘lost’ in the post, it was used with a pin to get the cash. But the bank won’t take action</p><p>A Barclays customer of more than 40 years has described her “profound shock” after the bank refused to refund £6,000 taken from her account after a replacement debit card sent in the post was stolen and used to make a series of cash withdrawals.</p><p>Fran Pitcher, 62, who lives in Crouch End, north London, says she has no idea how the person who stole the card had her pin. But the most extraordinary feature of the case, she says, is the bank’s refusal to investigate the theft, even though there is CCTV footage of the thief using her card in one of its own branches.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/aug/13/barclays-bank-robbery-phone-family-nightmare-criminals">One family's nightmare as fraudsters ransack Barclays account by phone</a> </p><p>Barclays says I authorised this payment, even though I can prove that I was in bed several miles away at the time</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/nov/04/barclays-refuses-refund-stolen-6000-debit-card-lost">Continue reading...</a>Banks and building societiesIdentity fraudConsumer affairsMoneyBankingBusinessBarclaysUK newsSat, 04 Nov 2017 07:00:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/nov/04/barclays-refuses-refund-stolen-6000-debit-card-lostPhotograph: Graeme Robertson for the GuardianPhotograph: Graeme Robertson for the GuardianMiles Brignall2017-11-04T07:00:12ZThe foolproof way you can stop ID fraudhttps://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/sep/23/foolproof-way-to-stop-id-fraud-credit-file-thumbprint
<p>Former GCHQ worker Jamie Jamieson has put a ‘notice of correction’ on his credit file requiring a thumbprint for all credit applications</p><p>Identity theft has reached epidemic levels, but a retired GCHQ worker has taken matters into his own hands, literally, with what he claims is a foolproof way of beating fraudsters. Jamie Jamieson uses his thumbprint to protect himself from ID thieves and suggests anyone worried about falling victim to this crime should follow&nbsp;his example.</p><p>His system costs nothing and is low-tech; it has also received a partial endorsement from one of the UK’s leading experts on credit reporting.</p><p>It’s workable if you’re not ‘credit active’ ... it does have merits in certain circumstances</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/sep/23/foolproof-way-to-stop-id-fraud-credit-file-thumbprint">Continue reading...</a>Identity fraudConsumer affairsScamsMoneyRating agenciesFinancial sectorBusinessCybercrimeInternetConsumer rightsSat, 23 Sep 2017 06:00:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/sep/23/foolproof-way-to-stop-id-fraud-credit-file-thumbprintPhotograph: Roger Tooth for the GuardianPhotograph: Roger Tooth for the GuardianRupert Jones2017-09-23T06:00:08ZIt’s one rule for big data, another for its victims | John Naughtonhttps://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/sep/17/equifax-data-breach-one-rule-for-credit-agency-another-for-143-million-victims
The massive – and avoidable – data breach at credit agency Equifax has left millions of consumers at risk, but don’t expect anyone to be held to account<p>Last week, much of the tech world was temporarily unhinged by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/live/2017/sep/12/apple-event-iphone-x-iphone-8-plus-apple-watch-news-live">a circus in Cupertino</a>, where a group of ageing hipster billionaires unveiled some impressive technology while miming the argot of teenage fandom (incredible, amazing, awesome, etc) and pretending that they were changing the world. Meanwhile, over in the real world, another tech story was unfolding. Except that this is not just a tech story: it’s a morality tale about how we have come to inhabit a world in which corporate irresponsibility, incompetence and greed goes unpunished, while little people can’t get a loan because they have an incorrect blemish on their credit records, which is almost impossible to detect and correct.</p><p>This story concerns Equifax, an outfit of which I’m guessing you’ve never heard. Nor had I. It’s one of the three largest American credit agencies (the others are Experian and TransUnion). Its business – its <em>only</em> business – is to collect, securely store and aggregate information on more than 800 million individual consumers and nearly 90m businesses worldwide. If your application for a loan is declined, or your credit card suddenly ceases to work, the chances are that it’s because some kind of warning flag has popped up on the screens of one of these three companies. So the personal information that these agencies hold is the most sensitive and potent kind of data there is.</p><p>Equifax will continue its erratic custody of precious data because it’s too important to the US economy to be shut down</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/jul/17/credit-score-angencies-break-lives-lenders-no-mortgage">How credit score agencies have the power to make or break lives</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/sep/17/equifax-data-breach-one-rule-for-credit-agency-another-for-143-million-victims">Continue reading...</a>Rating agenciesBig dataInternetTechnologyData and computer securityData protectionIdentity fraudMoneyBusinessUK newsSun, 17 Sep 2017 06:00:33 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/sep/17/equifax-data-breach-one-rule-for-credit-agency-another-for-143-million-victimsPhotograph: Justin Lane/EPAPhotograph: Justin Lane/EPAJohn Naughton2017-09-17T06:00:33ZSecure smartphone app could replace fraud-prone paper passportshttps://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/sep/09/secure-smartphone-app-replace-fraud-prone-paper-passports
Britain ‘falling behind’ as other countries embrace digital ID documents<p>Paper passports and driving licences should be torn up and replaced by a digital document that can be stored on a smartphone, a thinktank has said.</p><p>Handing people a more secure, digital proof of identity would reduce online crime and save money, according to the <a href="http://www.smf.co.uk/" title="">Social Market Foundation</a>. It points out that other countries have already developed secure ID technology and Britain has “not fully kept up with technological and social change”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/sep/09/secure-smartphone-app-replace-fraud-prone-paper-passports">Continue reading...</a>Identity fraudUK newsPassport OfficeIdentity cardsSat, 09 Sep 2017 23:01:20 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/sep/09/secure-smartphone-app-replace-fraud-prone-paper-passportsPhotograph: News Pictures/REX ShutterstockPhotograph: News Pictures/REX ShutterstockMichael Savage Policy editor2017-09-09T23:01:20ZYour online identity is precious. Here’s how to protect it | Holly Brockwellhttps://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/aug/28/online-identity-theft-fraud-security-password
People who would never leave their front door unlocked can be dangerously lax about their online security. To be safe, follow these rules<p>You’ll never have more ideas about how to protect your identity than the minute after you realise it’s been stolen. Suddenly, you can see in painful detail all the doors left unlocked and breadcrumbs scattered across the internet for a hungry thief to find. It’s a strange reality that there are people who will lock, alarm, and stress about their front door at home but blithely post sensitive information online that is in effect the key to their accounts.</p><p>We should all be guarding our information with the feverish paranoia of a top-ranking politician with a whole family of skeletons in the closet. Because no matter who you are, there are people who’d benefit from stealing your identity, and right now they know a lot more about it than you do.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/aug/23/identity-fraud-figures-cifas-theft">Identity fraud reaching epidemic levels, new figures show</a> </p><p>Every time you accept a friend request, you’re giving them access to every status update you’ve ever made</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/aug/28/online-identity-theft-fraud-security-password">Continue reading...</a>Internet safetySocial mediaDigital mediaMediaInternetTechnologyIdentity fraudConsumer affairsScamsMoneyFacebookInstagramGoogleMon, 28 Aug 2017 11:00:32 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/aug/28/online-identity-theft-fraud-security-passwordPhotograph: dragana991/Getty Images/iStockphotoPhotograph: dragana991/Getty Images/iStockphotoHolly Brockwell2017-08-28T11:00:32ZSoftware update leaves Samsung TVs unusable, plus identity theft soarshttps://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/aug/24/software-update-samsung-tvs-unusable-identity-theft-student-debt
<p>Also, why British homeowners are burrowing down for space and ways to lighten the student debt burden</p><p>• <a href="https://viewer.gutools.co.uk/money/2015/nov/10/sign-up-to-the-guardians-money-email">Sign up</a> to receive Money Talks each week</p><p>Hello and welcome to this week’s Money Talks – a roundup of the week’s biggest stories and some things you may have missed.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/aug/24/software-update-samsung-tvs-unusable-identity-theft-student-debt">Continue reading...</a>MoneyIdentity fraudPropertyConsumer affairsScamsConsumer rightsStudent financeThu, 24 Aug 2017 13:42:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/aug/24/software-update-samsung-tvs-unusable-identity-theft-student-debtPhotograph: Tek Image/Getty Images/Science Photo Library RFPhotograph: Tek Image/Getty Images/Science Photo Library RFShane Hickey2017-08-24T13:42:04ZIdentity fraud reaching epidemic levels, new figures showhttps://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/aug/23/identity-fraud-figures-cifas-theft
<p>Fraud prevention service Cifas says there were a record 89,000 cases of identity theft in the first half of this year</p><p>Identity theft has reached epidemic levels in the UK, with incidents of this type of fraud running at almost 500 a day, according to the latest figures.</p><p>During the first six months of this year there were a record 89,000 cases of identity fraud, which typically involves criminals pretending to be an individual in order to steal their money, buy items or take out a loan or car insurance in their name.<br></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/aug/22/evidence-of-fraud-bank-santander-act">I have evidence of fraud but Santander won’t act</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/aug/23/identity-fraud-figures-cifas-theft">Continue reading...</a>Identity fraudConsumer affairsMoneyCybercrimeInternetTechnologyBankingBusinessFinancial sectorUK newsWed, 23 Aug 2017 06:03:41 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/aug/23/identity-fraud-figures-cifas-theftPhotograph: Tek Image/Getty Images/Science Photo Library RFPhotograph: Tek Image/Getty Images/Science Photo Library RFRupert Jones2017-08-23T06:03:41ZMan who made £30,000 faking Norman Cornish artwork told to repay £1https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2017/aug/22/norman-cornish-fake-artwork-repay-1-pound
<p>Richard Pearson, jailed in January for selling 14 forged drawings and paintings, to pay only nominal sum due to lack of assets</p><p>A con artist who made more than £30,000 selling artworks he claimed were by the renowned “pitman painter” Norman Cornish has been ordered to repay £1.</p><p>Richard Pearson, 56, from Sunderland, was jailed in January for selling 14 faked drawings and pictures to a gallery in Northumberland. He admitted fraud and forgery charges and was sentenced to three years and seven months.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2017/aug/22/norman-cornish-fake-artwork-repay-1-pound">Continue reading...</a>PaintingArtArt and designCultureUK newsIdentity fraudScamsConsumer affairsMoneyTue, 22 Aug 2017 09:15:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2017/aug/22/norman-cornish-fake-artwork-repay-1-poundPhotograph: Rebecca Flounders/RexPhotograph: Rebecca Flounders/RexFrances Perraudin North of England reporter2017-08-22T09:15:15ZRevealed: more than 200,000 people can access Medicare card detailshttps://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jul/06/revealed-more-than-200000-people-access-medicare-card-details
<p>Number of health professionals and administrators in Australia who can obtain information heightens concerns about security of data </p><p>More than 200,000 health professionals and administrators across Australia can readily obtain Medicare card details, raising further concerns about the security of Medicare data that has been sold on the darket.</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jul/04/the-medicare-machine-patient-details-of-any-australian-for-sale-on-darknet">On Tuesday the Guardian revealed</a> that a darknet trader was illegally selling the Medicare patient details of any Australian on request by “exploiting a vulnerability” in a government system.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jul/05/the-medicare-data-breach-proves-the-government-cant-be-trusted-with-our-data">Medicare breach: it just got a whole lot harder to trust government with our data | Ellen Broad</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jul/06/medicare-data-breach-tax-office-suspends-cards-as-id-before-u-turn">Medicare data breach: tax office suspends cards as ID before U-turn</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jul/06/revealed-more-than-200000-people-access-medicare-card-details">Continue reading...</a>Medicare AustraliaDarknetAustralia newsHealthPrivacyAustralian politicsAustralian GreensCybercrimeInternetCrime - AustraliaIdentity fraudThu, 06 Jul 2017 04:25:55 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jul/06/revealed-more-than-200000-people-access-medicare-card-detailsPhotograph: Mick Tsikas/AAPPhotograph: Mick Tsikas/AAPPaul Farrell2017-07-06T04:25:55ZMedicare data breach: Alan Tudge admits department unaware darknet vendor selling card detailshttps://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jul/05/medicare-data-breach-alan-tudge-admits-department-unaware-darknet-vendor-selling-card-details
<p>Human services minister defends department’s security procedures as AFP investigate revelation that Australians’ card details are for sale online</p><p>•<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/04/inside-the-darknet-where-australians-buy-and-sell-illegal-goods"> Inside the darknet: where Australians buy and sell illegal goods</a><br></p><p>The human services minister, Alan Tudge, has admitted that his department was unaware that a darknet vendor had been selling Australians’ Medicare details since October 2016.</p><p>On Tuesday <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jul/04/the-medicare-machine-patient-details-of-any-australian-for-sale-on-darknet">an investigation by the Guardian</a> revealed that a darknet vendor on a popular auction site for illegal products claimed to have access to any Australians’ Medicare card details and could supply them on request. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jul/04/federal-police-asked-to-investigate-darkweb-sale-of-medicare-data">Darknet sale of Medicare data 'traditional criminal activity', minister says</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jul/04/the-medicare-machine-patient-details-of-any-australian-for-sale-on-darknet">The Medicare machine: patient details of 'any Australian' for sale on darknet</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jul/05/medicare-data-breach-alan-tudge-admits-department-unaware-darknet-vendor-selling-card-details">Continue reading...</a>Medicare AustraliaCybercrimePrivacyAustralia newsWorld newsAustralian politicsHealthCrime - AustraliaData and computer securityDarknetAustralian federal policeAustralian security and counter-terrorismIdentity fraudTue, 04 Jul 2017 23:49:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jul/05/medicare-data-breach-alan-tudge-admits-department-unaware-darknet-vendor-selling-card-detailsPhotograph: Mike Bowers for the GuardianPhotograph: Mike Bowers for the GuardianPaul Farrell2017-07-04T23:49:04Z‘I thought I’d bought my first home, but I lost £67,000 in a conveyancing scam’https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/jan/14/lost-67000-conveyancing-scam-friday-afternoon-fraud-legal-sector-email-hacker
<p>Howard Mollett is the victim of ‘Friday afternoon fraud’, an email scam that is the No 1 cybercrime in the legal sector</p><p>A charity worker buying his first home has had his £67,000 life savings stolen after fraudsters hacked into emails sent between him and his conveyancing solicitor.</p><p>Howard Mollett’s case will send a shiver down the spine of anyone who is in the process of buying a home, or planning to do so, and comes hard on the heels of a warning from the solicitors’ watchdog that “conveyancing theft” involving hacked emails is now the most common cybercrime in legal circles.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/oct/20/banks-online-security-is-failing-customers-says-which">Banks' online security is failing customers, says Which?</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/apr/02/mobile-banking-fraud-o2-nationwide">Mobile banking in the spotlight as fraudsters pull £6,000 sting</a> </p><p>This is not an email address similar to, but one letter different from, my solicitor – it is her email address</p><p>Our view is that the situation arose largely due to the carelessness of Mr Mollett</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/mar/04/fraud-scam-email-barclays-lloyds">Email scam costs couple £25,000 – but no one will help</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/jan/14/lost-67000-conveyancing-scam-friday-afternoon-fraud-legal-sector-email-hacker">Continue reading...</a>ScamsIdentity fraudFirst-time buyersPropertyBanks and building societiesMoneyConsumer affairsUK newsTaxTax creditsSat, 14 Jan 2017 07:00:19 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/jan/14/lost-67000-conveyancing-scam-friday-afternoon-fraud-legal-sector-email-hackerPhotograph: David Levene for the GuardianPhotograph: David Levene for the GuardianRupert Jones2017-01-14T07:00:19ZWatch out, Ringo! Making the peace sign might help crooks steal your moneyhttps://www.theguardian.com/technology/shortcuts/2017/jan/13/peace-sign-photos-copy-fingerprint-smartphone
<p>Scientists claim smartphone cameras are now advanced enough to allow crooks to copy your fingerprint from photos and unlock your phone. So put your hand back in your pocket</p><p><strong>Name:</strong> The peace sign.</p><p><strong>Appearance:</strong> Fist clenched, index and middle fingers outstretched skywards.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/shortcuts/2017/jan/13/peace-sign-photos-copy-fingerprint-smartphone">Continue reading...</a>SmartphonesIdentity fraudMoneyTechnologyFri, 13 Jan 2017 16:04:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/technology/shortcuts/2017/jan/13/peace-sign-photos-copy-fingerprint-smartphonePhotograph: Startraks Photo/REX/ShutterstockPhotograph: Startraks Photo/REX/ShutterstockGuardian Staff2017-01-13T16:04:15ZCyber criminals move to exploit ‘safe’ social media spaceshttps://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/dec/05/cyber-criminals-exploit-safe-spaces-social-media-sites-blackmail
Friend requests and easy conversation can quickly lead to threats of blackmail, as users fail to take suitable precautions<p>Following a few glasses of wine, John’s inhibitions had dropped when he went online to talk to a woman he had met through an internet dating site. Although they hadn’t met in person, they had been exchanging messages for about a week and a half.</p><p>Because of the familiarity built up through previous messages, and the effects of the alcohol, when she suggested that she would remove some of her clothes if he did the same, he agreed. Straight away he realised he had been scammed.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/apr/19/how-to-protect-yourself-online-passwords-phones-privacy-settings">Passwords, phones and privacy settings: how to protect yourself online</a> </p><p>It won’t be a random email. It will be mentioning people you know. It will be mentioning things you are interested in</p><p>How do you protect yourself? It is difficult, you just have to have that sceptical voice inside your head</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/dec/05/cyber-criminals-exploit-safe-spaces-social-media-sites-blackmail">Continue reading...</a>ScamsIdentity fraudInternet safetyCybercrimeConsumer affairsInternet, phones & broadbandMoneyInternetTechnologyMon, 05 Dec 2016 06:59:17 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/dec/05/cyber-criminals-exploit-safe-spaces-social-media-sites-blackmailPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoShane Hickey2016-12-05T06:59:17ZBanks' online security is failing customers, says Which?https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/oct/20/banks-online-security-is-failing-customers-says-which
<p>The consumer group says five of the UK’s biggest banks and building societies consistently scored poorly in its security test, including Lloyds and Santander</p><p>The consumer group Which? has criticised some of Britain’s biggest banks for failing to invest in security systems that would better protect their customers from fraudsters.</p><p>Against a backdrop of booming bank fraud, Which? tested the UK’s 11 biggest banks and building societies and found that the security at five of them was still not good enough.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/aug/13/barclays-bank-robbery-phone-family-nightmare-criminals">One family's nightmare as fraudsters ransack Barclays account by phone</a> </p><p>People can only do so much to protect themselves from fraud – it’s time for banks to shoulder more of the responsibility</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/oct/20/banks-online-security-is-failing-customers-says-which">Continue reading...</a>Banks and building societiesScamsIdentity fraudBankingBusinessConsumer affairsMoneyUK newsInternet safetyTechnologyThu, 20 Oct 2016 09:30:46 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/oct/20/banks-online-security-is-failing-customers-says-whichPhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyMiles Brignall2016-10-20T09:30:46Z